X0303 4 2011-05-06 0001126328 PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP INC PFG 0001196954 MCCAUGHAN JAMES P 711 HIGH STREET DES MOINES IA 50392 0 1 0 0 President - Global Asset Mgmt. Common Stock 2011-05-06 4 M 0 6586 27.48 A 156710 D Common Stock 2011-05-06 4 S 0 6586 31.67 D 150124 D Employee Stock Option (right to buy) 27.48 2011-05-06 4 M 0 6586 0 A 2005-04-29 2012-04-29 Common Stock 6586 72444 D Pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan adopted February 19, 2011. Includes 5,070 shares acquired pursuant to the Principal Financial Group, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The price reported is a weighted average price. These shares were sold in multiple transactions at prices ranging from $31.56 to $31.78. The reporting person undertakes to provide to Principal Financial Group, Inc., any security holder thereof, or the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, full information regarding the number of shares sold at each separate price within the ranges set forth herein. Joyce N. Hoffman, by Power of Attorney 2011-05-10